I settled back into the shadows, heart heavy with the knowledge that the day meant for joy was now tainted with betrayal. When Blake returned to the car, none the wiser, Frederick caught my eye in the rearview mirror, a silent question passing between us: What now? With resolve, I straightened beneath the blanket, determination coursing through my veins.
This wasn’t the end, merely the beginning of a battle I hadn’t anticipated but was fiercely ready to fight. For Blake, for our future, I would confront whatever lay ahead with courage.
